Whistler Blackcomb may be renowned as a world class ski resort, but with an endless array of activities available to guests on and off the mountains, summer can hardly be called the ‘off-season’ anymore. Mother Nature may be off to a slow start but June 19 marks the official launch of summer activities at Whistler Blackcomb with an alpine tube park, glacier skiing and riding, and alpine sightseeing.

“This summer is shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet,” says Rob McSkimming, Vice President of Business Development at Whistler Blackcomb. “We have a great line up of summer activities that are perfect for the whole family. Whether guests want to ski or sightsee in the alpine, downhill mountain bike in the world renowned Whistler Mountain Bike Park, or play in the Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone, there is something for everyone all season long”.

Alpine Tube ParkFor the first time ever, Whistler Blackcomb will be opening a tube park in the alpine on Whistler Mountain. The tube park will be open from June 19 as long as snow allows. Guests will have to walk to the top of the three sliding lanes so snow boots and proper attire are highly recommended. Hours of operation at the tube park are from 11am to 4pm daily. Admission is $5 per person for all ages and tickets can be purchased at the Traders Retail Desk in the Roundhouse Lodge.

Horstman Glacier Skiing/Riding and SightseeingThe Horstman Glacier will be open for summer skiing and riding Saturday, June 19 until Sunday, July 25. The glacier is home to a variety of summer ski and snowboard camps whose guest coaches include the likes of Olympic champions and the hottest ski and snowboard pros in the industry. Public access to the glacier runs daily from 12pm to 3pm. Skiing and riding access to the Horstman Glacier runs from 11am to 1:30pm and begins at the base of Blackcomb Mountain via the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster to the Rendezvous. Guests will then take a shuttle bus to the 7th Heaven Express Chair, which will bring them to the top of Blackcomb Mountain. Sightseers can also check out the action on the glacier by following the same upload route from 10am-2pm with lunch and great views available at the Horstman Hut.

Snowshoeing As of June 19 snowshoeing will be available on Whistler Mountain. The record breaking snowfall this winter is still hanging around up in the alpine with more than 50 inches still in some places. Snowshoe rentals are available at the Traders retail desk in the Roundhouse for $9.99 for one hour, $19.99 for two hours and $29.99 for three hours but quantities are limited. The snowshoeing area will be primarily around Emerald Chair and includes a beautiful scenic loop with views of Blackcomb Mountain. Proper winter boots and attire will be required. Boot, jacket and snow pant rentals will also be available at the Roundhouse.

Alpine Hiking and SightseeingThis summer marks the second summer season with the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola uniting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Offering 360 degree views of the high alpine, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola redefines the summer experience at Whistler Blackcomb. After the record breaking snowfall this winter, there is still a lot of snow on the ground in the alpine. Currently guests can head up the gondola to sightsee and still build a snowman at the Roundhouse. As the snow melts a total of 50km of alpine hiking trails, spread across both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, await. On these trails guests will be able to experience spectacular vistas and view flora and fauna native to the Coast Mountain Range. Alpine hiking trails will open as the snow melts. More information on alpine hiking can be found at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Lunch at Christine’sChristine’s, located on Blackcomb Mountain in the Rendezvous Lodge, will be open from June 19 to September 5. Known for amazing views and wonderful food in the winter, Christine’s is Whistler Blackcomb’s only full service restaurant located in the alpine during the summer months. Christine’s summer menu will specialize in mountain comfort dishes designed to showcase fresh local ingredients. The menu will also feature a wine flights taster program where guests can order 2oz glasses of four different BC wines to be paired with their meal. For reservations guests can call 604 938 7437.

Mountain Top BBQsFrom June 26 to September 6 the Roundhouse Lodge hosts Mountain Top BBQs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A memorable experience for the whole family, the Mountain Top BBQs will feature live music, alpenglow on the Coast Mountain Range and views of the sunset at 6,000 feet. The menu includes Whole Hog Fridays, Prime Rib & Slow Smoked BBQ Saturdays and Seafood Grill Sundays. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations or by calling 1-800-766-0449. Tickets sell out quickly so advanced purchase is recommended.

Whistler Bike Park Extended PlayThe Whistler Bike Park will begin its Extended Play hours of operation this weekend. Starting June 19 mountain bikers can rip up the trails from 10am to 8pm all summer long. Thanks to the cool moist spring we are having, conditions in the bike park are awesome and the extra daylight hours allow for some of the hottest nights in the Bike Park - Kokanee Phat & Phast Wednesdays and Women’s Nights.

At Kokanee Phat Wednesdays riders can put their skills to the test at one of the ever-popular race series. For an even more competitive experience this summer, riders can get even more downhill action at one of the three bonus Kokanee Phast Wednesdays on July 7, July 28 and August 25.

On Monday and Wednesday nights it’s ladies night in the Whistler Bike Park. There are trails available for every level of rider and guides help riders progress at their own speed. With great deals on rentals and an awesome après at the GLC, Women’s Nights are a great opportunity for girls to experience lift-accessed downhill riding.

In addition, the Garbanzo Zone in the Bike Park is scheduled to open as planned on Saturday June 26. More information about the Whistler Bike Park and upcoming events can be found at www.whistlerbike.com .

Blackcomb Base Adventure ZoneSaturday June 19 is also the opening weekend for the Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone. Located in Whistler’s Upper Village, the Adventure Zone is tons of fun for kids of all ages. Featuring a mini golf course, a climbing wall, a maze and much more, the Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone is open daily from 10am to 6pm Sunday through Friday, and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays.

Farmers’ Market SundaysEvery Sunday during the summer, local farmers and artisans come together at Whistler’s Farmer’s Market in the Upper Village. The market is open from 11am to 4pm each week and features a variety of fresh, organic and locally grown produce. There is also a variety of arts, crafts and jewellery created by local Whistler artists available. The first Whistler Farmers’ Market will take place on June 20 and will continue every Sunday until October 10.

Deals and PackagesTo plan a trip the consistently rated No. 1 Mountain Resort in North America this summer, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com or call 1-888-403-4727. Packages start from just $53 per person per night when booked before June 30.